Gofal is a Welsh mental health and wellbeing charity. We provide a wide range of services to people with mental health problems, supporting their independence, recovery, health and wellbeing. We are seeking dedicated and creative individuals to join our Fundraising team as Voluntary Events Officers. This is an exciting role where individuals will be involved in such tasks as planning, coordinating and delivering fundraising events.

This is a great opportunity for anyone interested in fundraising and events management and for those looking to make a difference to the lives of people with mental health problems. If you would like more information please contact Trystan on 01656 657722 (enquiries@gofal.org.uk) or visit our website www.gofal.org.uk

ACE CARDIFF

ACE Cardiff (www.acecardiff.org.uk) runs homework clubs; engages with older people in care homes through the medium of digital technology and supports and guides people with special needs into employment.

We currently require help with writing grant funding applications in our Cardiff Bay office (or there are opportunities for home working)

AGE CYMRU (Cardiff)

Based in Age Cymru’s modern offices based in Ocean Way, Cardiff. Age Cymru is the national older people’s charity for Wales. We’re part of the Age UK family – a brand partnership that includes Age UK, Age Cymru, Age Scotland and Age NI.

AGE CYMRU (Swansea)

Age Cymru Swansea Bay is seeking passionate and professional volunteers to join their dynamic team of Fundraisers.

Our committed volunteers are involved in a number of exciting tasks, such as co-ordination and delivery of small scale local fundraising events and liaising with local businesses. This is a great opportunity for anyone interested in a career in fundraising and charity work or someone who has previous experience in the field and those looking to make a difference to those living in the local community. If you think this is a role ideal for you, please contact Georgina on 01792 648866 or click here for further details.

TENOVUS

Tenovus, Wales’ leading cancer charity is looking for volunteers to help us in 2013. 2013 is a big year for Tenovus as it is our 70th birthday and we need volunteers right across Wales to help us in our mission to support people affected by cancer in Wales.

The ways you can help are endless. Whatever your reason for volunteering, be it to gain experience or build new skills, or simply to support the charity, we have the right role for you.

The first edition of ‘AWAKE’ magazine is now available. AWAKE is intended to be an open forum for artistic, visual & written expression for all those whose lives are affected in any way by an autism spectrum condition. It’s also a celebration of the different perspectives that autism can bring into our lives.

We hope you enjoy this first edition.

AWAKE is a quarterly production. The second issue will be in September, going to print in August. For any queries or comments about the project and/or to submit a piece, please contact either Sol Jorgensen or Jill Grange.

If you work or offer services in Cardiff and would like to promote your organisation, no matter how big or small, please get in touch. It’s a friendly, informal chat and a great way to get your message out. We’ll even record it and send you a copy for your own website!

Volunteers are the unsung heroes of our nation.

Giving their time and effort generously to a multitude of organisations that rely on volunteers to exist, yet they are so often forgotten and overlooked.

Approximately 20 million

Adults volunteer in the UK at least once a year, with many volunteering on a more regular basis of at least once a month.

The most popular form of volunteering is helping to organise an event or activity and the raising or handling of money as part of a sponsored event. For example, the volunteers who generously volunteered their time and energy for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and became known as the ‘Game Makers’.

Why Volunteer?

Most people volunteer because they want to give something back to society or their community. Volunteering is a rewarding experience. A great feeling of a sense of achievement and pride from contributing hard work is gained by the volunteer.

Many people will start volunteering while looking for employment as it adds to their CV as a commitment to work and generosity of spirit.

Join In

There are a vast number of areas that offer volunteering opportunities both in the UK and overseas. Below are some voluntary organisations that should be able to advise you in search of volunteering opportunities.

Do-It.Org.Uk – A comprehensive database of volunteering opportunities in the UK and overseas. Also has local agencies (just put in your post code) and they will tell you of posts in your own area. www.do-it.org.uk

vInspired – A volunteering organisation for young people. Aimed at the ages of 14 to 25. www.vinspired.com

Since the London 2012 Paralympic Games and the epic performance that our elite athletes put on, disability sport has received a huge increase in funding. This funding has been granted at various levels across the board and has not been put in place to improve facilities for elite athletes but to encourage all disabled people into sport at grass roots level.

Here are a few sports with their associated web sites for you to check out!